Blackberry Farm continues to be named among the top small hotels in the world in publications ranging from Condé Nast Traveler to Travel + Leisure, which named it the number one resort in North America in 2011. Blackberry Farm proprietor SAM BEALL grew up on the property. He worked at the French Laundry, the Ritz-Carlton, Cowgirl Creamery, wineries, farms, and markets before settling in the foothills of Tennessee, where he cooks, raises a family, and oversees the food, wine, and other lifestyle programs of Blackberry Farm.